I was in a muddle most of January. In the whirl of wrapping up loose ends from 2014, and deciding on new things for 2015, and getting on with life and four busy kids, I’ve felt a little lost. The weather has been unpleasantly unpredictable, to boot. Add the stress of a new home that I just want to start building already (but keeps getting held up by silly things like septic permits) and it wasn’t the greatest month. And it’s easy to dwell on that.
Modern Mrs. Darcy had a post a day or two ago where she talked about the things and ideas saving her in the midst of a gloomy Chicago winter. I didn’t think I’d want to link up, but as I counted the things I’ve really enjoyed this month, my mood lightened and I find myself looking forward to February. So here are a few things that are saving me right now:
This boy, Dr. Finnegan. I get out to ride as much as possible. Right now, even if I shoot for four times a week, I’m lucky to ride twice because of the weather. But my rides are a couple of hours outside, even when it’s cold, for some much-needed sunshine and fresh air. The mental break is just as important.
This book, Well Fed 2, and the site Nom Nom Paleo. Tonight marks Day 27 of Whole30, and I can see the ending. These resources have kept us from getting bored with what could be an incredibly limiting diet. I still miss cheese.
This book, On Becoming a Writer, an ebook by Denise Hughes that I bought as part of the Ultimate DIY package. I’ve never taken a writing course or even really concentrated on a book about writing. But every morning for the past couple of weeks I’ve gotten up and gone through a couple of chapters. I have learned so much! I can highly recommend this book if you are at all interested in writing. I paid about $34 for the entire bundle, but I have already gotten at least that much enjoyment out of this one book. (And the bundle isn’t available anymore, but you can sign up at that link for notifications when it happens again.)
This space, a clean sewing-and-everything-else room. I haven’t gotten to my clothes yet, but I applied the KonMari method to my sewing room and spent two days throwing things out and finding logical homes for the things I kept. This is the room where I write, and it feels so good to walk in at 5:15 in the morning and know I’m not going to trip over something!
So this is a short list, but heart-felt. I hope your 2015 is off to a great start. I’d love to know what is really working for you right now!